Spring, and May in particular, bring a chance for fresh starts and renewal. May is nationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and this month the Haines LTRG, along with your local and regional providers, will celebrate by highlighting mental health and wellness support material. We will share articles with topics including how humans grieve, the hierarchy of needs, life after a disaster, the recovery timeline, and caregiver burnout. We will familiarize you with local and regional services available, friends and neighbors that are working toward these goals, and some stories of success along the way.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes “[we] will continue to amplify the message of ‘You Are Not Alone.’ We will use this time to focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health, and acknowledging that it’s okay to not be okay. Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.”
In the meantime, we continue to encourage you to make the most of accessing SEARHC Behavioral Health (907.766.6313), Bartlett Outpatient Services (907.796.8498), the Haines School counseling office for students, or your local Haines Ministerial Association for spiritual wellness opportunities (907.314.2429).
Matt Jones, Haines LTRG Co-Chair and
Mental Health and Spiritual Support Committee Chair